Virginia Creeper Trail

It's the first week in June, and I've already accomplished one of the things on my Summer Bucket list!  I've been scheming about this little road trip for a year now, and decided this would be a fun birthday adventure to share with my friend Tara.  Each year, we try to plan some kind of "adventure" in which to celebrate our birthdays.  One year we made scarecrows for our gardens, sometimes we hike, go shopping or out to lunch.  Once we went to the Arboretum to look at all the plants.  The objective is to make a memory, because memories last longer than things.

On Friday afternoon, we drove to Abingdon, Virginia, a pleasant  two and a half hour trek.  I've always loved my neighboring state.  It's so beautiful!  We checked into our hotel and headed out to explore historic Abingdon.  Charming, all the fountains and sculptures.  I am smitten with this little town.  

We had dinner at the Peppermill, located in a beautiful historic home.  We chose to sit outside at a table on the wrap around porch.  The weather was perfect, and being in no hurry, we dined for hours.  I can't remember when I've had such an enjoyable meal.  After dinner we walked up and down Main Street.  

This is the Martha Washington, originally a girls college and now an inn.  After swinging under a huge oak tree for a few minutes on the grounds, we decided to walk right in like we were guests and check the place out. Wow.  We've already decided the next time we come to Abingdon, we are going to treat ourselves to a night here. 

This is the lobby.  Isn't it beautiful?  We snooped around in the parlor and the library, equally lovely rooms.  They also have a spa with an indoor pool.  Yeah, we definitely have to come back here.

The Barter is the Virginia State Theatre, and is located across the street from the inn.  We weren't able to make it to a show this trip, but next time, hopefully, that will be on the itinerary.

Early Saturday morning, we drove to Damascus to catch a shuttle that would take us to the trail.  We used Sundog Outfitters and were pleased with their service.  It took about thirty minutes on a twisty road (thank goodness we were in the front seat of that big van) to get to Whitetop Station, where we would get on the trail.  We were only a mile from the NC border at this point.  

So here's the history of this awesome trail.  It began as a Native American footpath.  Later, the European pioneers, as well as an early explorer, Daniel Boone, used the trail.  Shortly before 1900, the Virginia- Carolina Railroad was constructed from Abingdon to Damascus.  In 1905, the line was extended to Konnarock, NC.  In it's day, the line hauled lumber, iron ore, supplies and passengers.  It's nickname, Virginia Creeper, came from the early steam locomotives that struggled slowly up the railroad's steep grades.  Virginia Creeper is also the name of a vine that grows prolifically in this area.  The line had over 100 trestles and bridges.

The last train ran on March 31, 1977, having failed to turn a profit since the Great Depression.  Now...it is a quiet trail.  Well, except when children come flying by you on their bikes squealing with delight.  They were obviously having a wonderful time even though they didn't get to see views like this.  As much as I miss having little ones around, it's nice to be able to stop at every overlook and read all the informational signs, old people style.

My favorite color is green.  Ahhh...

Propping our bikes on the side of the trail, we wandered down a foot path to see this beautiful sight.  It smelled like Christmas, as we were standing on the edge of a tree farm.

The sixteen miles from Whitetop Station to Damascus is an easy ride, flat or downhill all the way.  My kind of bike trail.  We crossed lots of bridges and stopped at Green Cove to check out the restored Green Cove station.

This is how it looked back in the day.  

These original products were on the shelf when the train station closed.

For miles, the trail runs right beside the Laurel Creek.  

The AT criss crosses over the Creeper trail.  I had to stop and take this photo because I hope to be here on foot in the future.  If all goes as planned, I will start backpacking on the AT this summer, although I won't make it this far.

Much of the trail is wooded, but at times we would ride through fields.  Some of the trail is on private property and we talked about what it would be like to live here.  It's remote, but we think we could do it.  You'd have to make every trip into town count.

Red barns.  I love them.

Taking our time, stopping often for pictures and for lunch at the only restaurant on the trail, we were back in Damascus in four hours.  If my back side hadn't been hurting at this point (must get a fatter seat), I would have been tempted to have kept on riding to Abingdon.  The lower trail is supposed to be just as beautiful as the upper one.

We did it!  What a fantastic adventure.  The most difficult part of the trip was loading our bikes on my car.  And that wasn't so awfully bad.  You can rent bikes in Damascus, but we are partial to our own.  We were home on Saturday by dinner time, tired and happy. 

Birthdays Are For Doing Things You Love!

After turning fifty last year and all the hoopla that accompanied that event, turning fifty-one could seem a little anticlimactic.  But I have a way of throwing myself into celebrations, so this year I had a week of fun that led up to a day "filled with all the things I love".  I think that's exactly how birthdays should be, don't you?  And I didn't go far from home to do it.  The fun began early in the week, when my friend took me out for lunch at one of our favorite restaurants.

You know the salad bar is going to be good, when the crackers look like this.  No Captain's Wafers here, folks. I love Jason's Deli, because their bar is filled with organic vegetables and all things mediterranean.  Cheeses, olives, beets, Israeli couscous salad and so much more.  I also had a cup of their seafood gumbo.  Very,very yummy!

After lunch we spent the afternoon at the Arboretum walking through the gardens looking at the lovely plants.  It's hard to believe, but I've lived in this area for twenty-five years and have never been to the Arboretum.  I've been missing out.  This quilt garden was one of my favorite exhibits.

And the bonsai collection was fun too.

 Miniature trees are just cool.  That's all there is to it.

It was a perfect day for being outdoors.  Thank you Tara, for the nicest afternoon. 

On the big day, I woke up at the crack of dawn.  I had so many things I wanted to fit into this day, that I 

I didn't want to waste any time.  My flower loving husband surprised me with this beautiful arrangement.

What a guy!  I sure do love him.

Then I was off to do all the things I love.  First stop was the Curb Market.  I enjoy walking around and talking to the local folk about their products: everything from plants, food, soaps, jewelry and more.

I bought some of that pussy willow and a bar of the most wonderful smelling lavender, shea butter soap.

Next on the agenda, was to drop by the Co-op and buy a good candy bar for later on.  Chocolate is a must on my birthday.

Then I popped into this awesome little bakery in town and picked up bread for the weekend and a blueberry scone for moi.  Sorry, good bread just brings out the French in me.

Would you look at the size of that chocolate brioche!

What would a day of indulgences be for me without a trip to a bookstore for a new book?

I chose a cookbook, because I don't have very many and I needed just one more. ( Yeah, right!)

But look how pretty the pictures are and the recipes sound great. I can't wait to try some of them.  Thanks Dad.  This is how I spent that birthday money you sent me.

After an hour or more of browsing in the bookstore, it was time for lunch.  I decided to treat myself to PF Changs.

I love those lettuce wraps and crab wontons.

I ate and ate and enjoyed every bite!  I knew I was getting ready to work off my lunch, so I didn't feel the least bit guilty.  It was a beautiful day for a hike, so I drove to Pisgah Forest to spend a few hours in the woods. This is my all time favorite hike.

The spring wildflowers were putting on a show.  Although I don't usually hike alone, today it was nice to enjoy the solitude. 

This view from the rock bald never fails to take my breath away.  Sitting on top, it was quiet and I had time to reflect on my past year and make some plans for the new one.  

After hiking up the mountain, it seemed like a fine time to enjoy that candy bar.

The day was almost over, but I had just enough time to fit in a bike ride along the Davidson River. 

After my ride, I hurried home to get ready for a date with my sweetie.  He took me to one of my favorite restaurants - Hobnobs in Brevard.  Somehow we made it in and out without getting a decent picture. But I expect you're getting tired of seeing pictures of me eating anyway.

Now that is how I celebrate a birthday -a day filled to the brim with my favorite foods, activities and people.  Throughout the day I received phone calls, lovely cards, text messages, Facebook greetings and the cutest rendition of  "Happy Birthday" from the Shelton-Poole choir.  I am blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family.  On Sunday, I topped off the celebration by having dinner with a few of my kids.   The grand finale was chocolate lava cake and ice cream.  I saved the best for last! 

These kiddos know what mom loves.  Something new for the kitchen - the green pan.  Have you heard about this?  No oil needed and nothing sticks!  It really works. Kenzie and I decided it looks just about the right size for a crepe pan! Oh, I do love crepes...

Not too shabby for a boring year like fifty- one, huh?  So, if you ever need help celebrating your birthday, give me a call.  I can help you make it a day to remember!